January 1, Tom Hanks Outraged Over “AI Version” of Himself

Once again, Hollywood is in turmoil, and this time it’s over artificial intelligence.

Tom Hanks, the familiar face from Tinseltown, is raising a ruckus about an “AI version” of himself that made an appearance, without his consent, in a dental advertisement.

In a public admonishment on social media, Hanks exclaimed, “Beware!” and added, “There’s a video out there promoting some dental plan with an AI version of me. I have nothing to do with it.”

Tom Hanks is warning fans about a fake AI video that is circulating with his likeness #THRNews pic.twitter.com/T0YmyUf1JJ

— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) October 3, 2023

For someone who’s had a taste of technology in films before, one might wonder about his sudden apprehension.

Delving into the past on The Adam Buxton Podcast, Hanks recalled his role in “The Polar Express” from 2004, where data-driven animation was first used on him. H

e stated, “We saw that there was going to be this ability to take 0s and 1s inside a computer and turn it into a face and a character.”

A little late to the realization, perhaps, given that the tech world has been buzzing with such advancements for years.

Hanks highlighted ongoing discussions amongst Hollywood’s guilds, agencies, and legal firms, suggesting they’re grappling with the “legal ramifications” of faces and voices being considered intellectual property.

Sounding off on potential uses of such technology, Hanks stated, “If I wanted to, I could get together and pitch a series of seven movies that would star me in them in which I would be 32 years old, from now until kingdom come.”

The actor further expressed concern over the unstoppable nature of AI and deepfake technologies.

“Anybody can now recreate themselves at any age they are by way of AI or deepfake technology… and there will be nothing to tell you that it’s not me and me alone.”

With a tone suggesting the threat of AI imitations, Hanks concluded, “And it’s going to have some degree of lifelike quality. And that certainly is an artistic challenge, but it’s also a legal one.”

The ordeal begs the question: Is this genuine concern for the misuse of technology or just another celebrity trying to maintain a tight grip on their brand?

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